Tamariki Ora: A New Beginning – On Maori TV

PUBLICITY RELEASE
FRIDAY MAY 7 2010

Tamariki Ora: A New Beginning – On Maori Television

New Zealand’s national indigenous broadcaster, Maori Television, will mark the Maori New Year, Matariki, with a landmark broadcast to raise awareness and identify solutions to the issue of child abuse.

TAMARIKI ORA: A NEW BEGINNING will comprise a total of five-and-a-half hours of primetime programming over two nights – June 27 and 28 – including a feature-length documentary, musical tribute and in-depth examination of the issue.

Maori Television chief executive Jim Mather says it is acknowledged that child abuse and family violence is a highly emotive issue and the special line-up of programming is expected to generate intense debate.

“TAMARIKI ORA: A NEW BEGINNING seeks to offer whanau throughout the country practical and positive solutions and strategies to help break the cycle of violence and abuse,” Mr Mather says. “Maori Television sees this as a milestone broadcast and is the only free-to-air broadcaster ready to commit its schedule to a significant social issue in this way.”

The Matariki broadcast includes:

• SAVING GRACE – Sunday June 27 at 8.00 PM: A documentary by acclaimed Maori film maker Merata Mita. People from all walks to life discuss their experiences with violence, abuse and death in the family, and how they are trying to break the cycle. Supported by NZ On Air’s documentary strand, Pakipumeka Aotearoa.

• SOUNDS OF HOPE – Sunday June 27 at 9.30 PM: An hour-long music special featuring prominent New Zealand musicians dedicating music to the children of Aotearoa. Includes performances by Maisey Rika, Opshop, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Hollie Smith.

• TAMARIKI ORA: A NEW BEGINNING – Monday June 28 at 8.00 PM: A three-hour broadcast hosted by Julian Wilcox which explores the current state of child abuse in New Zealand with an emphasis on practical solutions. Supported by NZ On Air’s Platinum Television Fund.

Maori Television general manager of programming Haunui Royal says the special Monday night broadcast will include three panel discussions as well as stories identifying the many ways individuals – through their own actions or through intervention by an organisation – have been able to turn their lives around.

“It will look at how Maori families raised their children before the arrival of the European and will also examine the role that iwi can play in effecting change for families trapped in a violent cycle. The programme is structured to culminate in an exploration of what every New Zealander can do to ensure that no child in this country will die as a result of abuse.”

TAMARIKI ORA: A NEW BEGINNING screens as part of the Maori New Year, Matariki, on Maori Television on June 27 and 28. Viewers can call the helpline on 0800 MA TATOU (0800 628 2868) for advice on how to tune in to Maori Television or go to the website, www.maoritelevision.com, for more information including video on demand.

Ends

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